Shield your eyes

  • Published
  • By Connor Burne
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  With summer in full swing, more and more time is spent in the glaring sun. Although pools and beaches are the place to be, your eyes could be paying a heavy price if left unprotected.

"Dangerous UVA and UVB sun rays can cause significant damage to the eyes," said Dr. Elena Llewellyn, an optometrist at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Rays can result in pigmentation change and cataracts appearing as early as 20 years old in those who have left their eyes unshielded from the harmful rays.

So what is the solution to protecting your eyes?

"Wear your sunglasses," Llewellyn said. "They don't have to be expensive either; the cheap $10 pairs are as good as the $100 ones. As long as they block the UVA and UVB light, they do the job."

The standard coating on the sunglasses absorbs the harmful light, keeping the eyes safe. Besides paying for the brand name, the drastic price difference is due to polarization. Polarized shades reduce glare particularly around water.

Water also intensifies the sun's rays, making it especially important to wear sunglasses while around the water. However, everyday exposure to sunlight can damage the eyes just as easily.

"The damage is an accumulative affect; the more the individual gets, the more damage they will have," Llewellyn said.

Contact lense users are may be spared from the dangers.

"The vast majority [of contact lenses] do protect from UV rays," Llewellynshe said.

Air Force regulations permit the wearing of sunglasses in uniform, but they must be free of ornamentation on both the lenses and frames. In addition, it prohibits, "faddish styles and mirrored lenses."

Summertime brings many enjoyable outdoor activities, but also dangers. So follow the doctor's orders and wear sunglasses for a safe and enjoyable summer.